superlative

/səˈpʌrlədɪv/

/suˈpʌlətɪv/

Other forms: superlatives

A superlative is the highest attainable level or degree of something. As an adjective superlative means highest in quality.

When your history test results are superlative, it means you've gotten a perfect score — you've done as well as can be done, if not better than everyone else. There are times, however, when a superlative is an exaggerated expression of praise, as when a movie reviewer gets carried away with compliments and says in January that this is "the best film of the year."

Definitions of superlative

1. adjective

   highest in quality
   synonyms: greatest, sterling

   superior

   of high or superior quality or performance
2. noun

   the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
   “so many highest superlatives achieved by man”

   synonyms: acme, elevation, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tiptop, top, zenith

   type of:

   degree, level, point, stage

   a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process
3. noun

   an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)
   “the critics lavished superlatives on it”

   type of:

   congratulations, extolment, kudos, praise

   an expression of approval and commendation
4. noun

   the superlative form of an adjective or adverb
   “`fastest' is the superlative of the adjective `fast'”

   “`least famous' is the superlative degree of the adjective `famous'”

   “`most surely' is the superlative of the adverb `surely'”

   synonyms: superlative degree

   type of:

   adjective

   a word that expresses an attribute of something

   adverb

   a word that modifies something other than a noun